CA2190192A1 - Object impregnated with catnip for attracting a cat and a process for making same - Google Patents
Object impregnated with catnip for attracting a cat and a process for making sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA2190192A1 CA2190192A1 CA002190192A CA2190192A CA2190192A1 CA 2190192 A1 CA2190192 A1 CA 2190192A1 CA 002190192 A CA002190192 A CA 002190192A CA 2190192 A CA2190192 A CA 2190192A CA 2190192 A1 CA2190192 A1 CA 2190192A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- catnip
- base material
- plastic object
- particles
- cat
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; CARE OF BIRDS, FISHES, INSECTS; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
- A01K15/00—Devices for taming animals, e.g. nose-rings or hobbles; Devices for overturning animals in general; Training or exercising equipment; Covering boxes
- A01K15/02—Training or exercising equipment, e.g. mazes or labyrinths for animals ; Electric shock devices ; Toys specially adapted for animals
- A01K15/025—Toys specially adapted for animals
Abstract
There is provided a plastic object for attracting a cat formed by impregnating particulate matter, such as particles of catnip, into the object during the molding process. Preferably, the plastic is a soft, pliable thermoplastic, such as styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer or a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound. The plastic object is structurally sound to avoid excessive wear and tear and, yet, soft and pliable to permit a cat to enjoy the object and provide consumers with the perception that the object will not hurt the cat. Furthermore, the molded object has the aroma of the catnip emitting therefrom.
Description
- ~ ~ 2~90~92 AN OBJECT IMPREGNATED WIT~ CATNIP FOR ATTl'~ACTING A CAT
AND A PROCESS FOR l~IAKING SAME
BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTlON
I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to objects for attracting a cat by activating one or more of its senses. More particularly, the present invention relates to pet-related products that include plastic objects i~ ", ~ ~ with catnip to excite one or more senses of a cat. Further, the object IS adapted to be injection molded.
II. Description of the Prior Art A cat is very attracted to scents7 especially to the scent ofthe herb commonly known as catnip. Accordingly, a cat is attracted to products that have the scent of catnip. Thus, attempts have been made to store catnip in tlle body of a cat product in order to attract cats. For example U.S. Patent No. 2l086,63 1 to H.W. Munro, which issued on July 13, 1937, and U.S. Patent No.
4,928,632 to RA Gordon, which issued on May 29, 1990, provide cat toys for dispensing catnip.
Another way for attracting cats is to mold catnip in the body of a cat product, as provide in U.S.
Patent No. 1,022,113 to W.~. Smith, which issued on April 2, 1912. Aso, U.S. Patent No.
1,022,113 provides a ball toy for cats that is made either partially or completely of a catnip compound. The catr~ip compound is made by niixing catnip with wood or paper pulp.
In addition to selecting the a~ 0~ C flavorant (i.e., catnip) for the catnip compound, it is equally as important to select a suitable base material. One key factor in choosing a suitable base material for a Qtnip compound is its pliability so that a cat will enjoy the product. Also, the base material should appear pliable in order to comfort the owner of the cat. For these reasons, harder or coarser materials, such as wood or paper pulp, are not preferred for cat products.
Besides wood or paper pulp based products, other types of pet-related toys for attracting animals are known. However, such pet-related toys are not intended for cats and, thus, do not 0 necessarily include catnip. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,339,771 to Axelrod is directed to a plastic chew toy for dogs that is appealing to dogs and e.YCiteS their chewing instincts. The chew toy is formed of a molded synthetic ~ upla~liu tesin with animal meal dispersed in the resin.
Tlle synthetic 11~ ;r resin may be formed of materials commonly used for animal chew toys, such as nylon, polyu~ a.le, or a rnixture of nylon and polyurethane. Other examples of cllew toys that include t ulyu-~ are provided in U.S. Patent No. 4,771,733 to H.R. Axelrod, which issued on September 20, 1988; U.S. Patent No. 4,513,014 to P.L. Edwards, which issued on April 23, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 4,557,219 to P.L. Edwards, which is a division of U.S. Patent No. 4,513,014 and issued on December 10, 1985; and U.S. Patent No. 5,035,425 to P.L.
Edwards, which issued on July 30, 1991.
z ~ 2~19~
The above patents, which generally describe chew toys that are intended to be chewed by animals having large teetl, namely dogs, are directed to the use of materials that are best suited to withstand chewing, such as ~Olyul~llldl~ nylon and/or mixtures thereof. In fact, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,513,014 and 4,55~,219 state specifically that ~olyul l ' is preferred for such chew toys due to its unique distinction of being essentially indestructible by ordinary chewing forces and its resistance to shearing by sharp teeth that would normally rficintrer~te other types of e~astomers, such as various rubber-like çomro~ c~ resins and P~JIJ~ IIe~.
Pul ~ , is more chemical resistant that polyurethane, however not as chew resistant.
Accordingly, when used in a dog bone, a plurality of pOI ~ fibers are grouped together to form the synthetic dog bone as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,033,410 to E.H. Sigurdsson, which issued on July 23, 1991. In this patent, tlle polyetllylene fibers ofthe chewing toy may be illl~Jl ~sl.cl~d by boiling in a fiavoring media such as cod liver oil or beef broth. However, even the hl~ul pvlal;oll of a cod liver oil fiavorant, this pol~ product is far less effective than catnip to attract a cat.
In contrast to dogs and other animals that chew objects regularly, cats do not chew. Cats, instead, scratch and lick objects While ~JIyul~lldl1~ is a preferred material for chew toys since it is harder and more tear resistant to chewing, polyul ~ . is not beneficial for cat products since it is a harder, stifier, less pliable material. As stated above, the base material should be pliable so that a cat will enjoy the product and consumers will be swayed favorably to the product.
~19~192 Therefore, a sofl material is preferred. For this reason, hard, stiffer il~d.,~ u~,Libl., type materials, such as polyurethane, are not prefer}ed.
Heretofore, there is a need for a material ~,u~ u~;lioll for cat products that is pliable enough that a cat will enjoy the product, and consumer perception will be swayed to the benefit of 5 the product. In addition, the material ~ l-J';~ - should include a potent cat flavorant, preferably catnip, to attract a cat.
SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide plastic object that is pliable enough that a cat will enjoy the product, and a consumer will 0 perceive that the product will not hurt tlle cat.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a plastic object that is illJ~ lla~t~d with a potent cat flavorant, preferably catnip, to attract a cat.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a plastic object that appeals to a catls sense of smell, touch and taste and, thus, promote the cat's attraction to the 15 object, and the cat owner's sense of sight.
2t 90~ 92 . ~
It is a furt~ler object of the present invention to provide such a plastic object that can be made by injection molding.
To accomplisll the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, is a plastic object for attracting members of the cat family, that comprises a base 5 material and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout the base material. After combining the base material and the plurality of catnip particles, the plastic object may be molded into a shape suitable for a pet-related product. Preferably, the base material is one of the following: styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a pùl~ J~,..e IlvlllulJuly~ ,. or a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound.
o The present invention is also a method for making a plastic object having a plurality of discrete particles of catnip therein tllat comprises an initial step of forming a base material selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a ~,ol~ le IIVIIIUIJUIY~ and a fle.Yible polyvinyl chloride compound. The plurality of discrete particles of catrlip are then mixed with the base material for a ~ d~
period of time to form a catnip including mixture. The catnip including mixture is then injection molded to form the plastic object.
~t 9D~ 92 B~LEF ~)ESCRLPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and still further the objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in cormection with the l:lC~u~ll~all,~;ll~ drawing:
Tlle figure is a sectional view of a plastic object ill~ , ' with catnip in accordance with the preferred ~ bo-lilm;ll~ of the present invention.
" .
DETAILED D~SCRlPTlON OF TlIE rREFERRED EMBODll~IENT
Refer~ing to the Figure, there is provided a plastic object of the preferred r,lllb~ .lL
which is generally represented by reference numeral l0 As shown in the Figure, a pluralit,v of discrete catnip particles 20 are dispersed throughout the object 10 The present invention may be 5 used for, but is not limited to, various pet-related products for cats such as a grooming products, furniture covers or protectors, and pet toys Examples of grooming products include a grooming toy or mat, and examples of pet toys include a ball, yo-yo, Frisbee, and wand and dangler The base material 30 ofthe preferred ~ odi~ ll is made of either a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolynler or an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer Both materials may be enjoyed 10 by cats and are known not to be harmful to animals. These two base materials are soft, pliable materials tllat are suitable for cat products. Equally as important, these base materials do not mask or cover the aroma of an attractant, such as catnip, that is included therein For a preferred ~ udilll~,llL, the base material 30 is semi-transparent or translucent so that t~le i~ nt~ Lt:d catnip particles ~0 is visible from the base material 30~ More ;~ U!~ LIY~ a 15 semi-transparent or translucent base material 30 does not mask or cover the aroma of tbe attractant Color additives may, however, be used provided they do not obstruct, mask cover, or r~ ~ the catnip aroma of the product ' ' 2~192 Tlle styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following types of ...."~ " " "l~ I!inear for extruding, radial for molding, o~l~Li~" and tllermoset for molding through high frequency. The preferred cll.l,o,lil"~
includes a radial for molding type of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
The styrene-buL~d;~~ tyrene block copolymer may have various ingredients to improve its qualities. Such ingredients include process oil; styrenic polymer, such as, for example, zinc stearate; f ller, such as, for example, magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate;
411Lio~ idllllL/al~iL~,Ia, dusting agent, such as, for example, talc, hydrated amorphous silica; and pigment. The process oil may make the material softer and pliable, and the styrenic polymer may add stiffness to the material for better molding fiow. The antioxidant/stabilizer may stop product breakdown from the CIIY;l-~lllll~ill~, such as ultraviolet rays, and the dusting agent may prevent the material from clumping together when molding. In addition, the pigment may be used to add color to the material.
One such material that includes all of the above ingredients is available under the name Uni-Grip-l00-T.P.R. by Gator Industries, Inc. in Hialeah, Florida. Uni-Grip-l00-T.P.R. includes styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, process oil, styrenic polymer, filler, ~nti~Yi-l~nt/stabilizer, dusting agent and pigment.
Also, ~h~nT nrl~cti~ rubber material sold under the marks Kraton Dl l01 and D2104 by Sllell Oil Company maybeused. KratorlDl101 ll. ."..,l,l ~l;.. rubberincludes less than 9g%
_ 2 i ~1 92 styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, less tllan 1% dllliU~i.ldllVaLd~il;,..., less than 5%
caicium carbonate, less than 5% hydrated amorphous silica and less than 2% talc. Kraton D2104 ", 1"~ , rubber includes less than 65% styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, less than 40% mineral oil, less than 1% each of zinc stearate, antiu~iklal~Va~ a and magnesium 5 carbonate.
A third or alternative base material 30 is a l ul~,lh~ IIUI~IU~UOIYIII~I. The particular poly~ yl~; llolllupuly~ ,. that has been used in the present invention is poly~ n~ 7791 firom Gator Industries, Inc. It is a translucent white, sûlid pellets or granules having a specific gravity of 0.91 to 0.97. Similar to styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer and ethylene vinyl acetate lo copolymer base materials, a polyethylene l1oll~opul~ c. does not have an odor to disguise the scent or aroma of tlle catnip particles 20.
As a fourth option, another alternative base material 30 is a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound. An additive, such as a plasticizer, may be added to polyvinyl chioride to provide soft and flexible ~ ald~ liaLi~,~ for the fleYible polyvinyl chioride compound. The fle,Yible polyvinyl chloride compound has a different look and feel and is heavier than the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. Thus, for those instance where these ~ ! ~ Al Irl ;~ are preferred, the fleYible polyvinyl chloride compound may be used as the base material 30.
The catnip particles 20 must have an aroma and te.Yture that attracts cats, such as dry catnip, adulterated catnip, catnip oil and the like. The prererred ~ o iill~ includes particles of g , ~1g~92 '. .
one hundred percent pure, dry catnip. Although other types of cat attracting f avorants may be substituted for catnip, catnip is most preferred. For example, catnip oil must be vacuumed out of certain plant matter and, thus, is very expensive to ~ ur~,Lul ~. Accordingly, catnip oil is an expensive alternative to dry catnip.
The ratio of the catnip particles 20 to the base material 30 must be such that a sufficient amount of catnip particles are used to attract cats and yet suf~icient base material is used to form a plastic object that is structurally stable. Since a particular amount of catnip is more expensive than the same amount of a base material, the ratio may vary and is restricted primarily by economic ~ iOl~s. In particular, it is preferred that the catnip particles 20 comprise about 0.~% to about 10.0%, by weight, of the totai . .~ of the plastic object 10. For the preferred ~ bo.~ ,..;, the catnip particies 20 comprise about 1.0%, by weight, of the total ~;U~ Jo~;~iOll of the plastic object 10.
Aithough not required, mineral oil may be added to the mixture of the base material 30 and the catnip particles 20 in order to eveniy spread the catnip pa~ticles throughout the base materiai durirlg the molding or formation process. The base materiai 30 and the catnip particles 20 may be mixed together using a hand mixer, materiai tumbler, hopper, or ti~e like. Typicaily, the base material is in tile form of pellets or granules. Then, samples of the finai product are injection molded from the mixture. Accordingly, the mineral oii is added to the mixture so that the catnip particles 20 will adhere to tlle pellets or granules of base material 30 and, thus, avoids 20 separation of the materials during the mixing process.
-'.
EXAMPI,I~
For tlle preferred ~ bo i;.~--L, 100 Ibs. of ~ in pellet form, is combined with I Ib. of pure, dry catnip and I ounce of mineral oil. Specifically, the ~ is any one of the four materials, namely styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethyiene vinyl acetate 5 copolymer, polyethylene I~UIIIVIJUIY~ or flexible polyviny~ chioride compound.
During the production process, the Gatnip is mixed and blended Witi~ ;.. pellets and the resultant mixture is formed by injection molding. The Lil".l~wl)l~LiG pellets and the mineral oil are placed in a material tumbler that mbces the materiais for a first period of time of about 15 minutes. The catnip is then added to the ~ L~ ,lI;".,~dl oil mixture, and the material tumbler mixes the tl; .~ ;., mineral oil and catnip for a second period oftime of about 15 minutes. Tllen, the 1ll ~11- Illlr~l;l /IIIill.,ldl oil/catnip miYture is injection molded in a screw-based molder. The minerai oil becomes part of the resultant mixture, and the catnip is suspended in tlle Lll.,llllv~Jla~ ,. The resultant rnixture is depicted as the object 10 in the Figure.
For testing, the preferred ~ V iilll~,llL was molded into two sets of plastic brushes 5 provided to eight cat owners for testing on their cats. One set of plastic brushes were comprised of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, specificaily Uni-Grip-1 00-T.P.R. described above, and another set of plastic brushes were comprised of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. Each cat owner was provided with a brush from each set. The results of this testing show that cats are 2~9~192 highly attracted to the materiai of both plasiic br lshes and will play with the brushes longer than most cats would with cat toys. The cats had the plastic brushes to play with for a three month period with no wear or tear to the material of the brushes.
Simiiar results were achieved when testing two types of grooming pads. One type of grooming pad was made of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and the other type was made of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. Again, the cats were ~lull~,LL~tl ~ attracted to the pads and played with the grooming pads for an extended period of time.
The invention having been thus described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and ~ c may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
AND A PROCESS FOR l~IAKING SAME
BACKGROUND OF T~E INVENTlON
I. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to objects for attracting a cat by activating one or more of its senses. More particularly, the present invention relates to pet-related products that include plastic objects i~ ", ~ ~ with catnip to excite one or more senses of a cat. Further, the object IS adapted to be injection molded.
II. Description of the Prior Art A cat is very attracted to scents7 especially to the scent ofthe herb commonly known as catnip. Accordingly, a cat is attracted to products that have the scent of catnip. Thus, attempts have been made to store catnip in tlle body of a cat product in order to attract cats. For example U.S. Patent No. 2l086,63 1 to H.W. Munro, which issued on July 13, 1937, and U.S. Patent No.
4,928,632 to RA Gordon, which issued on May 29, 1990, provide cat toys for dispensing catnip.
Another way for attracting cats is to mold catnip in the body of a cat product, as provide in U.S.
Patent No. 1,022,113 to W.~. Smith, which issued on April 2, 1912. Aso, U.S. Patent No.
1,022,113 provides a ball toy for cats that is made either partially or completely of a catnip compound. The catr~ip compound is made by niixing catnip with wood or paper pulp.
In addition to selecting the a~ 0~ C flavorant (i.e., catnip) for the catnip compound, it is equally as important to select a suitable base material. One key factor in choosing a suitable base material for a Qtnip compound is its pliability so that a cat will enjoy the product. Also, the base material should appear pliable in order to comfort the owner of the cat. For these reasons, harder or coarser materials, such as wood or paper pulp, are not preferred for cat products.
Besides wood or paper pulp based products, other types of pet-related toys for attracting animals are known. However, such pet-related toys are not intended for cats and, thus, do not 0 necessarily include catnip. For example, U.S. Patent No. 5,339,771 to Axelrod is directed to a plastic chew toy for dogs that is appealing to dogs and e.YCiteS their chewing instincts. The chew toy is formed of a molded synthetic ~ upla~liu tesin with animal meal dispersed in the resin.
Tlle synthetic 11~ ;r resin may be formed of materials commonly used for animal chew toys, such as nylon, polyu~ a.le, or a rnixture of nylon and polyurethane. Other examples of cllew toys that include t ulyu-~ are provided in U.S. Patent No. 4,771,733 to H.R. Axelrod, which issued on September 20, 1988; U.S. Patent No. 4,513,014 to P.L. Edwards, which issued on April 23, 1985; U.S. Patent No. 4,557,219 to P.L. Edwards, which is a division of U.S. Patent No. 4,513,014 and issued on December 10, 1985; and U.S. Patent No. 5,035,425 to P.L.
Edwards, which issued on July 30, 1991.
z ~ 2~19~
The above patents, which generally describe chew toys that are intended to be chewed by animals having large teetl, namely dogs, are directed to the use of materials that are best suited to withstand chewing, such as ~Olyul~llldl~ nylon and/or mixtures thereof. In fact, U.S. Patent Nos. 4,513,014 and 4,55~,219 state specifically that ~olyul l ' is preferred for such chew toys due to its unique distinction of being essentially indestructible by ordinary chewing forces and its resistance to shearing by sharp teeth that would normally rficintrer~te other types of e~astomers, such as various rubber-like çomro~ c~ resins and P~JIJ~ IIe~.
Pul ~ , is more chemical resistant that polyurethane, however not as chew resistant.
Accordingly, when used in a dog bone, a plurality of pOI ~ fibers are grouped together to form the synthetic dog bone as shown in U.S. Patent No. 5,033,410 to E.H. Sigurdsson, which issued on July 23, 1991. In this patent, tlle polyetllylene fibers ofthe chewing toy may be illl~Jl ~sl.cl~d by boiling in a fiavoring media such as cod liver oil or beef broth. However, even the hl~ul pvlal;oll of a cod liver oil fiavorant, this pol~ product is far less effective than catnip to attract a cat.
In contrast to dogs and other animals that chew objects regularly, cats do not chew. Cats, instead, scratch and lick objects While ~JIyul~lldl1~ is a preferred material for chew toys since it is harder and more tear resistant to chewing, polyul ~ . is not beneficial for cat products since it is a harder, stifier, less pliable material. As stated above, the base material should be pliable so that a cat will enjoy the product and consumers will be swayed favorably to the product.
~19~192 Therefore, a sofl material is preferred. For this reason, hard, stiffer il~d.,~ u~,Libl., type materials, such as polyurethane, are not prefer}ed.
Heretofore, there is a need for a material ~,u~ u~;lioll for cat products that is pliable enough that a cat will enjoy the product, and consumer perception will be swayed to the benefit of 5 the product. In addition, the material ~ l-J';~ - should include a potent cat flavorant, preferably catnip, to attract a cat.
SUMMARY OF T~E INVENTION
Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide plastic object that is pliable enough that a cat will enjoy the product, and a consumer will 0 perceive that the product will not hurt tlle cat.
It is another object of the present invention to provide such a plastic object that is illJ~ lla~t~d with a potent cat flavorant, preferably catnip, to attract a cat.
It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a plastic object that appeals to a catls sense of smell, touch and taste and, thus, promote the cat's attraction to the 15 object, and the cat owner's sense of sight.
2t 90~ 92 . ~
It is a furt~ler object of the present invention to provide such a plastic object that can be made by injection molding.
To accomplisll the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, is a plastic object for attracting members of the cat family, that comprises a base 5 material and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout the base material. After combining the base material and the plurality of catnip particles, the plastic object may be molded into a shape suitable for a pet-related product. Preferably, the base material is one of the following: styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a pùl~ J~,..e IlvlllulJuly~ ,. or a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound.
o The present invention is also a method for making a plastic object having a plurality of discrete particles of catnip therein tllat comprises an initial step of forming a base material selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a ~,ol~ le IIVIIIUIJUIY~ and a fle.Yible polyvinyl chloride compound. The plurality of discrete particles of catrlip are then mixed with the base material for a ~ d~
period of time to form a catnip including mixture. The catnip including mixture is then injection molded to form the plastic object.
~t 9D~ 92 B~LEF ~)ESCRLPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and still further the objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in cormection with the l:lC~u~ll~all,~;ll~ drawing:
Tlle figure is a sectional view of a plastic object ill~ , ' with catnip in accordance with the preferred ~ bo-lilm;ll~ of the present invention.
" .
DETAILED D~SCRlPTlON OF TlIE rREFERRED EMBODll~IENT
Refer~ing to the Figure, there is provided a plastic object of the preferred r,lllb~ .lL
which is generally represented by reference numeral l0 As shown in the Figure, a pluralit,v of discrete catnip particles 20 are dispersed throughout the object 10 The present invention may be 5 used for, but is not limited to, various pet-related products for cats such as a grooming products, furniture covers or protectors, and pet toys Examples of grooming products include a grooming toy or mat, and examples of pet toys include a ball, yo-yo, Frisbee, and wand and dangler The base material 30 ofthe preferred ~ odi~ ll is made of either a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolynler or an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer Both materials may be enjoyed 10 by cats and are known not to be harmful to animals. These two base materials are soft, pliable materials tllat are suitable for cat products. Equally as important, these base materials do not mask or cover the aroma of an attractant, such as catnip, that is included therein For a preferred ~ udilll~,llL, the base material 30 is semi-transparent or translucent so that t~le i~ nt~ Lt:d catnip particles ~0 is visible from the base material 30~ More ;~ U!~ LIY~ a 15 semi-transparent or translucent base material 30 does not mask or cover the aroma of tbe attractant Color additives may, however, be used provided they do not obstruct, mask cover, or r~ ~ the catnip aroma of the product ' ' 2~192 Tlle styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the following types of ...."~ " " "l~ I!inear for extruding, radial for molding, o~l~Li~" and tllermoset for molding through high frequency. The preferred cll.l,o,lil"~
includes a radial for molding type of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer.
The styrene-buL~d;~~ tyrene block copolymer may have various ingredients to improve its qualities. Such ingredients include process oil; styrenic polymer, such as, for example, zinc stearate; f ller, such as, for example, magnesium carbonate or calcium carbonate;
411Lio~ idllllL/al~iL~,Ia, dusting agent, such as, for example, talc, hydrated amorphous silica; and pigment. The process oil may make the material softer and pliable, and the styrenic polymer may add stiffness to the material for better molding fiow. The antioxidant/stabilizer may stop product breakdown from the CIIY;l-~lllll~ill~, such as ultraviolet rays, and the dusting agent may prevent the material from clumping together when molding. In addition, the pigment may be used to add color to the material.
One such material that includes all of the above ingredients is available under the name Uni-Grip-l00-T.P.R. by Gator Industries, Inc. in Hialeah, Florida. Uni-Grip-l00-T.P.R. includes styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, process oil, styrenic polymer, filler, ~nti~Yi-l~nt/stabilizer, dusting agent and pigment.
Also, ~h~nT nrl~cti~ rubber material sold under the marks Kraton Dl l01 and D2104 by Sllell Oil Company maybeused. KratorlDl101 ll. ."..,l,l ~l;.. rubberincludes less than 9g%
_ 2 i ~1 92 styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, less tllan 1% dllliU~i.ldllVaLd~il;,..., less than 5%
caicium carbonate, less than 5% hydrated amorphous silica and less than 2% talc. Kraton D2104 ", 1"~ , rubber includes less than 65% styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, less than 40% mineral oil, less than 1% each of zinc stearate, antiu~iklal~Va~ a and magnesium 5 carbonate.
A third or alternative base material 30 is a l ul~,lh~ IIUI~IU~UOIYIII~I. The particular poly~ yl~; llolllupuly~ ,. that has been used in the present invention is poly~ n~ 7791 firom Gator Industries, Inc. It is a translucent white, sûlid pellets or granules having a specific gravity of 0.91 to 0.97. Similar to styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer and ethylene vinyl acetate lo copolymer base materials, a polyethylene l1oll~opul~ c. does not have an odor to disguise the scent or aroma of tlle catnip particles 20.
As a fourth option, another alternative base material 30 is a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound. An additive, such as a plasticizer, may be added to polyvinyl chioride to provide soft and flexible ~ ald~ liaLi~,~ for the fleYible polyvinyl chioride compound. The fle,Yible polyvinyl chloride compound has a different look and feel and is heavier than the styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer. Thus, for those instance where these ~ ! ~ Al Irl ;~ are preferred, the fleYible polyvinyl chloride compound may be used as the base material 30.
The catnip particles 20 must have an aroma and te.Yture that attracts cats, such as dry catnip, adulterated catnip, catnip oil and the like. The prererred ~ o iill~ includes particles of g , ~1g~92 '. .
one hundred percent pure, dry catnip. Although other types of cat attracting f avorants may be substituted for catnip, catnip is most preferred. For example, catnip oil must be vacuumed out of certain plant matter and, thus, is very expensive to ~ ur~,Lul ~. Accordingly, catnip oil is an expensive alternative to dry catnip.
The ratio of the catnip particles 20 to the base material 30 must be such that a sufficient amount of catnip particles are used to attract cats and yet suf~icient base material is used to form a plastic object that is structurally stable. Since a particular amount of catnip is more expensive than the same amount of a base material, the ratio may vary and is restricted primarily by economic ~ iOl~s. In particular, it is preferred that the catnip particles 20 comprise about 0.~% to about 10.0%, by weight, of the totai . .~ of the plastic object 10. For the preferred ~ bo.~ ,..;, the catnip particies 20 comprise about 1.0%, by weight, of the total ~;U~ Jo~;~iOll of the plastic object 10.
Aithough not required, mineral oil may be added to the mixture of the base material 30 and the catnip particles 20 in order to eveniy spread the catnip pa~ticles throughout the base materiai durirlg the molding or formation process. The base materiai 30 and the catnip particles 20 may be mixed together using a hand mixer, materiai tumbler, hopper, or ti~e like. Typicaily, the base material is in tile form of pellets or granules. Then, samples of the finai product are injection molded from the mixture. Accordingly, the mineral oii is added to the mixture so that the catnip particles 20 will adhere to tlle pellets or granules of base material 30 and, thus, avoids 20 separation of the materials during the mixing process.
-'.
EXAMPI,I~
For tlle preferred ~ bo i;.~--L, 100 Ibs. of ~ in pellet form, is combined with I Ib. of pure, dry catnip and I ounce of mineral oil. Specifically, the ~ is any one of the four materials, namely styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethyiene vinyl acetate 5 copolymer, polyethylene I~UIIIVIJUIY~ or flexible polyviny~ chioride compound.
During the production process, the Gatnip is mixed and blended Witi~ ;.. pellets and the resultant mixture is formed by injection molding. The Lil".l~wl)l~LiG pellets and the mineral oil are placed in a material tumbler that mbces the materiais for a first period of time of about 15 minutes. The catnip is then added to the ~ L~ ,lI;".,~dl oil mixture, and the material tumbler mixes the tl; .~ ;., mineral oil and catnip for a second period oftime of about 15 minutes. Tllen, the 1ll ~11- Illlr~l;l /IIIill.,ldl oil/catnip miYture is injection molded in a screw-based molder. The minerai oil becomes part of the resultant mixture, and the catnip is suspended in tlle Lll.,llllv~Jla~ ,. The resultant rnixture is depicted as the object 10 in the Figure.
For testing, the preferred ~ V iilll~,llL was molded into two sets of plastic brushes 5 provided to eight cat owners for testing on their cats. One set of plastic brushes were comprised of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, specificaily Uni-Grip-1 00-T.P.R. described above, and another set of plastic brushes were comprised of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. Each cat owner was provided with a brush from each set. The results of this testing show that cats are 2~9~192 highly attracted to the materiai of both plasiic br lshes and will play with the brushes longer than most cats would with cat toys. The cats had the plastic brushes to play with for a three month period with no wear or tear to the material of the brushes.
Simiiar results were achieved when testing two types of grooming pads. One type of grooming pad was made of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, and the other type was made of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer. Again, the cats were ~lull~,LL~tl ~ attracted to the pads and played with the grooming pads for an extended period of time.
The invention having been thus described with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and ~ c may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims (28)
1. A plastic object for attracting a cat comprising:
a base material selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer and a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein said catnip particles are one hundred percent catnip.
a base material selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer and a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein said catnip particles are one hundred percent catnip.
2. The plastic object of claim 1, wherein said base material further comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: process oil, styrenic polymer, filler, antioxidant, stabilizer and dusting agent.
3. The plastic object of claim 2, wherein said base material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: zinc stearate, magnesiuim carbonate, calcium carbonate, talc and hydrated amorphous silica.
4. The plastic object of claim 1, wherein the plastic object is a toy.
5. The plastic object of claim 1, wherein the plastic object is an animal grooming product.
6. The plastic object of claim 1, wherein the plastic object is a mat.
7. The plastic object of claim 1, wherein the plastic object is a ball.
8. A plastic object for attracting a cat, comprising:
a base material made of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is injection molded into a desired shape.
a base material made of a styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is injection molded into a desired shape.
9. The plastic object of claim 8, wherein said base material is substantially clear, and wherein said catnip particles are visible through said base material.
10. The plastic object of claim 8, further comprising mineral oil for adhering said catnip particles to said base material while said catnip particles are dispersed throughout said base material.
11. The plastic object of claim 8, wherein said base material further comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: process oil, styrenic polymer, filler, antioxidant, stabilizer and dusting agent.
12. The plastic object of claim 11, wherein said base material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of zinc stearate, magnesiuim carbonate, calcium carbonate, talc and hydrated amorphous silica.
13. The plastic object of claim 8, wherein said plurality of catnip particles are uniformly distributed into said base material.
14. The plastic object of claim 8, wherein said catnip particles are one hundred percent pure, dry catnip.
15. A plastic object for attracting a cat, comprising:
a base material made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is molded into a desired shape.
a base material made of an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is molded into a desired shape.
16. The plastic object of claim 15, wherein said base material is substantially clear, and wherein said catnip particles are visible through said base material.
17. The plastic object of claim 15, further comprising mineral oil for adhering said catnip particles to said base material while said catnip particles are dispersed throughout said base material.
18. The plastic object of claim 15, wherein said base material further comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of: process oil, styrenic polymer, filler, antioxidant, stabilizer and dusting agent.
19. The plastic object of claim 18, wherein said base material comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of zinc stearate, magnesiuim carbonate, calcium carbonate, talc and hydrated amorphous silica.
20. The plastic object of claim 15, wherein said catnip particles are one hundred percent pure, dry catnip.
21. A plastic object for attracting a cat, comprising:
a base material made of a polyethylene homopolymer; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is molded into a desired shape.
a base material made of a polyethylene homopolymer; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is molded into a desired shape.
22. The plastic object of claim 21, further comprising mineral oil for adhering said catnip particles to said base material while said catnip particles are dispersed throughout said base material.
23. The plastic object of claim 21, wherein said catnip particles are one hundred percent pure, dry catnip.
24. A plastic object for attracting a cat, comprising:
a base material made of a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is molded into a desired shape.
a base material made of a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound; and a plurality of catnip particles dispersed throughout said base material, wherein the plastic object is molded into a desired shape.
25. The plastic object of claim 24, further comprising mineral oil for adhering said catnip particles to said base material while said catnip particles are dispersed throughout said base material.
26. The plastic object of claim 24, wherein said catnip particles are one hundred percent pure, dry catnip.
27. A method for making a plastic object having a plurality of discrete particles of catnip therein, comprising:
forming a base material selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer and a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound;
mixing the plurality of discrete catnip particles with said base material for a predetermined period of time to form a catnip including mixture; and injection molding said catnip including mixture to form the plastic object.
forming a base material selected from the group consisting of styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymer, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a polyethylene homopolymer and a flexible polyvinyl chloride compound;
mixing the plurality of discrete catnip particles with said base material for a predetermined period of time to form a catnip including mixture; and injection molding said catnip including mixture to form the plastic object.
28. The method of claim 27, wherein said base material is formed into pellets in said forming step, and further comprising mixing mineral oil with said pellets of said base material, prior to mixing with said plurality of catnip particles.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US08/557,612 US5797353A (en) | 1995-11-14 | 1995-11-14 | Object impregnated with catnip for attracting a cat and a process for making same |
| US08/557,612 | 1995-11-14 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2190192A1 true CA2190192A1 (en) | 1997-05-15 |
Family
ID=24226162
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002190192A Abandoned CA2190192A1 (en) | 1995-11-14 | 1996-11-13 | Object impregnated with catnip for attracting a cat and a process for making same |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US5797353A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2190192A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US6053738A (en) * | 1999-02-17 | 2000-04-25 | Ivey, Jr.; Ellwood G. | Sense-simile transmission machine |
| US6325022B1 (en) * | 1999-08-23 | 2001-12-04 | Lafeber, Iii Theodore J. | Pet cage scenery and toys formed of molded paper pulp |
| BR0208578B1 (en) * | 2001-03-30 | 2012-02-22 | product and method to improve the animal's dental hygiene. | |
| US7803058B2 (en) * | 2001-04-09 | 2010-09-28 | Chrisman Iii John W | Scented bowling balls and methods |
| US6672252B2 (en) * | 2002-01-31 | 2004-01-06 | Sergeant's Pet Products, Inc. | Pet chew |
| US6647927B1 (en) * | 2002-05-24 | 2003-11-18 | Farnam Companies, Inc. | Animal amusement bubble blowing method and solution |
| US7074106B1 (en) * | 2002-10-22 | 2006-07-11 | Daniel Deutsch | Lighted toy for pets |
| IL155304A0 (en) * | 2003-04-09 | 2003-11-23 | Kafrit Ind 1993 Ltd | Pest barrier |
| US6918355B1 (en) | 2003-10-27 | 2005-07-19 | Margherita Jessie Arvanites | Durable pet toy |
| US7150245B2 (en) * | 2004-12-23 | 2006-12-19 | Lamstein Aaron M | Catnip encased pet toy |
| US8367130B1 (en) | 2010-08-20 | 2013-02-05 | Ourpet's Company | Edible pet treat packaging |
| US20150013616A1 (en) | 2013-03-29 | 2015-01-15 | Ourpet's Company | Molded or Extruded Catnip Composite and Method of Manufacturing Catnip Pet Toys and Pet Toys Made from the Same |
| JP5941355B2 (en) * | 2012-06-29 | 2016-06-29 | ドギーマンハヤシ株式会社 | Cat toy manufacturing method and cat toy |
| WO2014209436A1 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2014-12-31 | Ourpet's Company | Molded or extruded catnip composite and method of manufacturing compressed catnip pet toys and pet toys made from the same |
| CN104936441A (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2015-09-23 | 奥派兹公司 | Molded or extruded catnip composite and method of manufacturing compressed catnip pet toys and pet toys made from the same |
| US9078415B2 (en) * | 2013-11-13 | 2015-07-14 | T.F.H. Publications, Inc. | Floating pet toy |
| US20160081304A1 (en) * | 2014-09-23 | 2016-03-24 | Petstages, Inc. | Pet chew toy assembly |
| US10609903B1 (en) * | 2016-05-17 | 2020-04-07 | Cosmic Pet LLC | Stand up fold away claw scratcher |
| US20190183093A1 (en) * | 2017-12-17 | 2019-06-20 | Oleksandr Skoropys | Training device for animals |
| CN115777833B (en) * | 2022-12-27 | 2023-06-16 | 广东益鲜美生物科技有限公司 | Food calling composition and preparation method thereof |
Family Cites Families (14)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US1022113A (en) * | 1908-08-31 | 1912-04-02 | Charles C Rogers | Catnip-ball. |
| US2086631A (en) * | 1936-04-18 | 1937-07-13 | Harold W Munro | Toy, particularly adapted to dispense catnip |
| US3104648A (en) * | 1962-02-26 | 1963-09-24 | Stanton E Fisher | Animal toy |
| US4513014A (en) * | 1983-10-11 | 1985-04-23 | Edwards Philip L | Chewable toy for animal |
| US4557219A (en) * | 1983-10-11 | 1985-12-10 | Edwards Philip L | Chewable toy for animal |
| US4771733A (en) * | 1986-09-17 | 1988-09-20 | Axelrod Herbert R | Chewable object having flavor or odor extract incorporated therein |
| US4928632A (en) * | 1988-09-13 | 1990-05-29 | Gordon Richard A | Cat toy |
| US5241925A (en) * | 1988-12-27 | 1993-09-07 | Dermamed | Apparatus and techniques for administering veterinary medicaments |
| US5221782A (en) * | 1989-06-28 | 1993-06-22 | Nippon Petrochemicals Company, Limited | Composition for injection molding |
| US5033410A (en) * | 1990-04-24 | 1991-07-23 | Toothbrush Bone, Inc. | Chewing object for animals having bristle structure |
| US5366732A (en) * | 1990-05-29 | 1994-11-22 | Jaime Zighelboim R | Method of milking cows |
| US5035425A (en) * | 1990-12-03 | 1991-07-30 | Edwards Phillip L | Multiple purpose play ball |
| US5419283A (en) * | 1992-04-08 | 1995-05-30 | Ciuffo Gatto S.R.L. | Animal chew toy of starch material and degradable ethylene copolymer |
| US5339771A (en) * | 1993-09-15 | 1994-08-23 | Axelrod Herbert R | Animal chew toy containing animal meal |
-
1995
- 1995-11-14 US US08/557,612 patent/US5797353A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1996
- 1996-11-13 CA CA002190192A patent/CA2190192A1/en not_active Abandoned
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5797353A (en) | 1998-08-25 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20021113 |